Walk Through Fire

The Train Disaster That Changed America

By: Yasmine S. Ali MD

Narrated by: Yasmine S. Ali

Length: 8 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

On February 22, 1978, a devastating freight train derailment drastically altered Waverly, Tennessee, and its place in history. This was one of the worst train explosions of the twentieth century, killing sixteen people, injuring hundreds more, and causing millions of dollars in damage.

What could have been dismissed as a single community's terrible misfortune instead became the catalyst for radical change, including the formation of FEMA, much-needed reforms in emergency response training, and the creation and enforcement of national and state safety regulations. Response to the disaster reshaped American infrastructure and laid the groundwork for the future of emergency management and disaster relief . . . and yet most Americans have never heard of Waverly.

Dr. Yasmine S. Ali, an award-winning medical writer and Waverly native, sets out to change this in Walk Through Fire, drawing from over a decade of meticulous research and interviews with survivors, first responders, and other firsthand accounts. Ali weaves a compelling narrative of small-town tragedy set against the broader backdrop of United States railroad history, rural healthcare, and other elements of American infrastructure that played a part in the creation—and the aftermath—of the Disaster.

©2023 Yasmine S. Ali (P)2023 Tantor

Well worth it

This is a fantastic story of an obviously proud Daughter/Doctor of her magnificent Father/Surgeon.

Postcard from Hell!

First hand accounts from hell. A man smelled and heard bacon frying only to realize it was the side of his face and ear! A living police officer burned so badly the only thing left on him was his utility belt. A husband and wife doctor team working around the clock determined to save EVERY patient under their care despite the deep fried injuries. And an A-list group of nurses right out of a M*A*S*H episode with real-time Army helicopters chopping just above. A good true life read!

Fascinating True Story

This book does a great job of balancing the detailed history with the poignant stories of the people who were personally affected by it. The fact that it also points to the significance of the event on the national stage, including the development of FEMA, makes it all the more relevant and interesting.

Not all authors should read their books

The story is fascinating, the writing is very well done. But the author should have left the reading to a professional. She sounds like a third grader teacher reading to her students. Her cadence can be odd, and her voice is rather sing songy. I struggled to get through it.